DOJ hits AMD with subpoena in graphics biz, Nvidia as well

SAN JOSE, Calif. &#8212; Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) has received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over potential antitrust violations related to graphics processors and cards.

AMD (Sunnyvale, Calif.) entered the graphics processor business following the company's acquisition of ATI Technologies Inc.

The DOJ has not made any specific allegations against AMD or ATI. AMD said it intends to cooperate with the investigation.

In addition;

SAN JOSE, Calif. &#8212; Joining Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) in a probe, Nvidia Corp. Friday (Dec. 1) said that it has received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice in connection with potential antitrust violations related to graphics processing units and cards.

No specific allegations have been made against Nvidia (Santa Clara, Calif.). Nvidia said it plans to cooperate with the DOJ in its investigation.

Earlier this week, Nvidia said it is restating six years of earnings as a result of an internal investigation into stock-options backdating.

Comment

tygrus
Registered User

Posts: 10
Joined: 2003-10-31

#39431 Posted on: 12/04/2006 12:26 PM
If it was to do with AMD's purchase of ATI then action would have been taken before the official sale (months after announcement). One of the things DOJ may be investigating would be accusation of price fixing (collusion) over the last few years. Offcourse, interpretations of tax law and stock options are always a favourite. At least it keeps many people in a job (lawyers mostly).